Orthopedic Compression Device Collet Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orthopedic devices using elongated pins for compression or distraction of bone parts lack versatility and efficiency in switching between modes and securing pins effectively.

Innovation Solution

An orthopedic device with a ratcheting mechanism and locking sleeves that allow for longitudinal movement and secure pin engagement, featuring a collet nut with detents to prevent removal and a pin spanner wrench for easy tightening, enabling efficient compression or distraction with selectable modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to securely hold the pin, then pin security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepin securityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collet is a nested structure with multiple arms that can be radially collapsed to grip the pin. The collet arms are nested within the locking sleeve, and the entire assembly is contained within the compact locking mechanism, achieving secure pin holding through nested components rather than adding external complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded collet arms automatically engage and lock the pin in place when the locking mechanism is activated. The spring provides automatic rebound force to secure the pin, and the detent mechanism self-locks the collet in its engaged position, reducing the need for complex external locking components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a ratcheting mechanism is added to allow longitudinal movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ratcheting mechanism allows the locking sleeve to dynamically move between locked and unlocked positions along the longitudinal axis. The mechanism provides one-way movement capability, allowing easy engagement but preventing accidental disengagement, achieving ease of operation through controlled dynamic behavior rather than complex multi-directional mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ratcheting function is extracted as a separate functional element within the locking mechanism, allowing it to operate independently to provide longitudinal movement control. This modular extraction of the ratcheting function simplifies the overall design by isolating the movement control to a specific subsystem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides a versatile and efficient means to securely compress or distract bone parts, allowing for precise control and maintaining desired alignment with easy operation, enhancing orthopedic treatment capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The collet comprises a plurality of collet arms provided with screw threads integrally formed on their exterior surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew threads: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The collet nut is provided with one or more detents protruding into the band of thread-free zone and providing a mechanical interference that prevents the collet nut from being removed from the threaded engagement with the collet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interference:

Data Source

PatentEP3449854B1Orthopedic compression/distraction device
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP3449854B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3449854B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3449854B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An orthopedic device for compressing or distracting bone parts includes an elongated body with two arms extending transversely away from the body. One arm is a stationary arm affixed to one end of the body and a second arm is a longitudinally movable. The two arms extend from the elongated body in the same direction and parallel to each other. The orthopedic device also includes a locking sleeve hingeably connected to the outer end of each of the first and second arms by a hinge joint, where each locking sleeve is configured for lockably receiving an elongated pin using a collet and a captured collet nut.